Celebrity trying the ‘open-jaw’ concept

According to a story in cruisecritic.com, new chief executive at Celebrity Cruises Michael Bayley is confirming that his line will operate 7-night “open-jaw” itineraries in the Mediterranean from Barcelona in — wait for it — 2014.

Bayley was speaking at the pre-inaugural of the final ship in the Solstice Class, the Reflection.

“Open jaw” simply means you can get on at one port sand get off at another. You do not have to sail the seven days. On one cruise that I know of on Norwegian, this is already in effect.

Celebrity does not have its schedules out yet but here are some possible examples:

• In Europe, there are so many opportunities to be creative: How about Barcelona to Le Havre (Paris) or London to Harwich (train stops right at the port)?

You get the idea.

Speaking of Harwich, that easy-to-get-to port from London’s Liverpool train station, Bayley also mentioned that England will see an increase in Celebrity’s presence with the Infinity’s sailing 10-to-12-day cruises to Scandinavian and the British Isles.

Next summer, Celebrity will have six ships in Europe, its largest contingent yet.

Also mentioned are more enriching port excursions. That probably comes from the hand of Larry Pimentel, the President and CEO of Azamara, who is now in charge of port excursions for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara.